Procedure per ICP (icp.gov.ae) / GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae). Fees and timelines change — check the authority's website. We don't invent numbers.
The residency process, step by step
- 1
Check which category you qualify under
A residence visa is commonly issued through work or family sponsorship. According to recent changes, a residence visa can also be issued for 5 and 10 years, subject to certain conditions. Confirm the exact eligibility conditions on the authority's website before you start.
Documents:PassportSponsor details - 2
Pass the medical fitness test
A residence visa requires applicants who are 18 and above to undergo a medical test to prove that they are medically fit. Book this through an approved medical centre.
Documents:PassportPhoto - 3
Clear the security check and apply for your Emirates ID
You must also pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID card from Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The Emirates ID is your core proof of residency for daily life in Dubai.
Documents:PassportVisa application - 4
Have your sponsor renew before expiry
Renewing your residence visa: your sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires. If there is a need to renew your residence visa a few months earlier (one to six months) for travelling reasons, you must first take special permission and approval from ICP.
Documents:Current residence visaEmirates ID - 5
Know your grace period and return rules
UAE residents are granted longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months (according to resident category) to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired. For residents staying outside the UAE for over 6 months: UAE residents whose residence visa expired as a result of staying outside the country for more than six months for study, work or treatment can apply for a permit to enter the UAE.
Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.
Who provides this service in Dubai
Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.
ACCESS POINT TYPING SERVICES- EMIRATES ID-MEDICAL- (IMPZ)
4.9(67)Mango Hyper Market First Entry Mall - Me'aisem First - Dubai Production City - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
NUMBER ONE TYPING CENTER SHARJAH - Sharjah Dubai Family Visa Typing - Emirates ID Typing - Medical Typing
4.8(99)King Abdul Aziz St - Al Mahatta - Hay Al Qasimiah - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Emirates ID & Medical Fitness Typing Center Al-quoz
4.8(8)Shop Number 3 - 23rd St - Al Qouz Ind.third - Al Quoz - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
NEW ID CENTRE DOCUMENT CLEARING SERVICES
4.2(11)|Deira | Dubai - 8th St - near Westzone Super Market - Al Rigga - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Typing Center - Emirates ID & Medical (Quality Government Service Center)
4.3(35)Main Office - 1 - next to DIP - Dubai Investment Park First - Green Community Village - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Al Aklas Typing Center - Al Barsha
4.8(347)Metro Building - Al Barsha 1 - behind Mall of emirates - Al Barsha First - 2-4 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Want this handled without the guesswork?
Our relocation team helps you get UAE residency in Dubai from start to finish — matching the right category, booking your medical test, guiding the security check, and getting your Emirates ID sorted. Tell us your situation and we'll map out the fastest clean route for you.
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